Compact Winged Euonymus Euonymus alatus 'Compactus'

'Compactus' is a dwarf cultivar of winged burning in the Celastraceae family.  It is a deciduous shrub that, as its name implies, is a relatively more compact version. Unlike Burning Bush, which can reach heights of 20 feet, the 'Compactus' cultivar is a more manageable 10 feet tall. Note that there is an even more compact cultivar is E. alatus 'Rudy Haag’ that is limited to a height of 3 to 5 feet. All versions of the burning bush can be kept shorter by pruning and can easily be transplanted. Be aware the parent plant has become invasive in some areas of the east and midwest.

'Compactus'  is easy to grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. It will tolerate shade and drought, but the less sun available to the plant, the less dramatic fall color will be. The plant does not do well in wet, poorly-drained sites, but it does prefer consistent moisture. It tolerates a variety of soils. Like its larger species, the 'Compactus' cultivar's densely packed leaves offer bright red color in the fall, a rounded form, and small, inconspicuous flowers that bloom in late spring. These flowers develop into reddish-purple, 3/8 inch oval berries in the fall.

Because ingesting large quantities of this plant are poisonous, no part of this plant, including the fruits, should be eaten, especially by children. Also, this shrub can be aggressive an invasive if planted in less well tended native or similar gardens where it can spread into surrounding roadside or woodland areas. This is more likely in western North Carolina. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Twig blight can occur in wet soil conditions and spider mites can be a problem.  The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests and diseases.

More information on Euonymus alatus.